VISTA 2017 - News
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![Michael Shea of the United States](/sites/default/files/images/140314150114206_478610287_0.jpg)
First snowboard banked slalom titles decided
Riders from the USA, the Netherlands and Italy have taken historic victories in Landgraaf, the Netherlands.
![woman in red standing on stage in front of a gold background and addressing the crowd](/sites/default/files/images/141119191339933_Penny%2BBriscoe%2B-%2BMark%2BRunnacles_0.jpg)
Penny Briscoe named as ParalympicsGB's Chef de Mission
Briscoe takes up the role for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after successfully operating as Chef de Mission during the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games
![A curling team playing on the ice.](/sites/default/files/images/141118123016559_44%2Bbranded_0.jpg)
No. 44 Canada win third Paralympic wheelchair curling gold
One of the top moments of year, Canada secured a third consecutive wheelchair curling title against home favourites Russia at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.
![Mexico wheelchair basketball](/sites/default/files/images/131228231729553_1175751_151341475064773_1640278499_n.jpg)
Mexico, Venezuela and Puerto Rico qualify for TORONTO 2015
After the 2014 IWBF Central American and Caribbean Qualification Tournament, three men’s wheelchair basketball teams have booked their place at the Parapan American Games.
![Members of the Brazilian team singing their national anthem during the victory ceremony](/sites/default/files/images/140711134722656_LON_0809_3398_0.jpg)
Brazil make perfect start at football 5-a-side worlds
The three-time Paralympic and reigning world champions put in a strong display against Turkey and Colombia, while Japan, Argentina and China picked up their first wins.
![Matti Suur-Hamari](/sites/default/files/images/140213114021971_12484664984_9d1ebaafb0_z_0.jpg)
Suur-Hamari aiming to put ghosts of Sochi to rest
Finnish snowboarder Matti Suur-Hamari is heading to the first races in Landgraaf, the Netherlands, with a fresh mind after a devastating 11th place finish at the Paralympic Winter Games.
Para-snowboard banked slalom to debut
Around 40 riders from over 10 countries will compete in the first ever banked slalom races at World and Europa Cups beginning on Wednesday (19 November) in Landgraaf, the Netherlands.
![Lauren Steadman](/sites/default/files/images/140919160314664_121300363_0.jpg)
Hogg and Steadman win Para-Triathlete of the Year awards
The pairing were commended at the 2014 British Triathlon Awards for their achievements.
![A man seated holding papers in one hand and using his other hand to express his feelings whilst giving a talk.](/sites/default/files/images/150428140427653_11801a-2260.jpg)
IPC President stresses importance of para-sport in rehabilitation
Sir Philip Craven addressed the 2014 American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Annual Assembly on the growth and future direction of the Paralympic Movement.
![Female ice sledge hockey players](/sites/default/files/images/141117112026200_45%2Bbranded_0.jpg)
No. 45 Ice sledge hockey steps it up
After the global sensation of sledge hockey at Sochi 2014, the year has been headlined by the introduction of a World Series and the first ever sanctioned women’s competition.
Mentel-Spee ‘excited’ for new snowboard season
Dutch Paralympic snowboard champion Bibian Mentel-Spee is looking forward to testing herself in the new format for snowboard cross and discipline of banked slalom from Wednesday (19 November).
![Elisabetta Mijno aiming her arrow](/sites/default/files/images/141117094653189_46%2Bbranded_0.jpg)
No. 46 Italy top medals table at archery Europeans
The Italians put in some pinpoint performances throughout the 2014 Para-Archery European Championships, epitomised by Elisabetta Mijno, who claimed two gold medals, making it to the IPC's Top 50 Moments
![Women crossing a finish line](/sites/default/files/images/141115131559853_47%2Bbranded_0.jpg)
No. 47 Great Britain’s Steadman ends McClelland’s dominance at triathlon worlds
A new world champion was born as Lauren Steadman stopped Faye McClelland’s four-year world title winning streak at the 2014 ITU Para-Triathlon World Championships.
![Stephane Houdet](/sites/default/files/images/130608100729796__RG13108_IPC.jpg)
Top six para-sport stories of the week – 9-15 November
IPC pleased with Rio 2016 progress, wheelchair tennis history made, skiing retirements and more…
![Iran National Paralympic Week 2013](/sites/default/files/images/131217120428522_T-Shirt-2.jpg)
Iran names 16 October as ‘National Paralympic Day’
The Iranian President, Dr. Hassan Rowhani, has endorsed the day, which aims to further promote para-sport throughout Iran.
![Josh Dueck sit-skiing](/sites/default/files/images/130227101147780_130219_121655_mh_8344.jpg)
Canada’s Josh Dueck announces retirement
The 33-year-old Paralympic champion penned an open letter on his blog stating that he wants to now focus his energy on his family.
![A skyline with many skyscrapers in the background. Red flowers and water in the front.](/sites/default/files/images/141029110005751_City%2B4_0.jpg)
IPC Athletics publishes Doha 2015 Qualification Criteria
Doha 2015 will feature a maximum of 1,400 athletes competing in 210 medal events.
![Man in wheelchair doing a stund in a halfpipe](/sites/default/files/images/141114100238459_David%2BLebuser_0.jpg)
David Lebuser: What wheelchair skating is all about
Lebuser says how skate parks are inclusive environments and skating can change perceptions of those with impairments.
![Three women on a podium, smiling to the camera](/sites/default/files/images/141114120625116_48%2Bbranded_0.jpg)
No. 48 World records destroyed at Track World Championships
Australia’s Michael Gallagher and the USA’s Jamie Whitmore were amongst those athletes who broke 23 world records at the Para-Cycling Track World Championships.
![The Rio 2016 Pioneer Volunteers group photographed during the filming of the campaign.](/sites/default/files/images/170202125759887_Rio-volunteers.jpg)
Deadline extended for Rio 2016 Volunteer Programme
Those interested in applying to become a volunteer at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games now have until 15 December.